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RADFORD -- Even with tarot cards or palm readers, predicting the future of a college sports program is not easy. Yet for Radford University volleyball coach Crystal Poskey, gazing into the future is getting easier every day.

Poskey brought in four talented freshmen this year in middle blockers Jessica Sullivan and Heidi Haubrich, outside hitter Maggie Wagner and setter Kiley Kent. The Highlanders' roster lists five upperclassmen among 12 players. Poskey expected each of her new recruits to play important roles this season.

"I felt sure that all of them would contribute and I think they've all done a great job of that," Poskey said. "And I think all of them have improved dramatically because they've played so much. It's a much faster game than high school, and it takes time for confidence to build among freshmen."

As Radford prepares for the Big South Conference tournament starting Thursday at Liberty University, the Highlanders hope to put memories of a trying season behind them. After a 3-0 loss at Liberty in the regular season finale, the Highlanders' record is 8-23 overall, 3-9 in the conference.

No. 5-seeded Radford faces fourth seed Coastal Carolina 7 p.m. at the Vines Center to close out the first day. In other first-round games, No. 2 Winthrop plays No. 7 Charleston, at 2 p.m., and No. 3 High Point clashes with No. 6 UNC Asheville at 4:30 p.m.

The Radford-Coastal winner will take on top-seeded Liberty in a 4:30 p.m. semifinal match Friday. The other semifinal will be the Winthrop-Charleston Southern victor versus the High Point-UNC Asheville survivor at 7. Semifinal winners play Saturday at 4 p.m. for the title.

No matter what happens, Radford's freshmen have been a bright spot this year.

As of Nov. 2, Sullivan and Haubrich were first and second among the Highlanders in kills per game. Wagner's 2.96 points per game ranked second on the team behind only junior Lindsey Poole. Kent has earned playing time behind senior setter Josie Hanners, averaging 3.21 assists per game.

Once the freshmen adjusted to the college game, they meshed well with one another.

"The freshmen are spread around the country, so we all bring in some different experiences," Haubrich said. "I think we've actually improved a lot this year. We've come together and it's important to have chemistry when you're having an up-and-down season."

Learning how to rely on teammates was important to Kent as she worked her way through the most trying times this year.

"I think we've tried to rely on each other a lot during the tough times this year," Kent said. "The older leaders do a great job of keeping us positive and unified. I think we're all really athletic, physical and competitive. We all have similar drives to succeed, so we just need to mesh well and learn how to win more consistently."

Wins and losses aside, Poskey is pleased with the development of each freshman.

"All the freshmen have different strengths and they bring different aspects to our team," Poskey said. "Maggie Wagner comes from a successful high school program, so she brings a winning, aggressive attitude. Jessica Sullivan does a nice job offensively. She has a long arm span, which allows her to snap the ball with a lot of force. Heidi Hulbrich is a very versatile player who goes off on foot at the net very well. Kiley Kent has excellent hands and she's very deceptive."

Each freshman can pinpoint personal weaknesses that were addressed this year.

"I've definitely become a better passer," Wagner said. "During the preseason we really focused on that aspect of the game, and that helped me specifically."

As a setter, Kent's game relies on passing accuracy and directing traffic on the court. She thinks her mental development was important this season.

"Coach Poskey was a setter in college, so she's helped me a lot this year," Kent said. "Mentally, she's helped me see things on the court that I never did before."

Kent's development will be vital to the team's future success because she'll be the only returning setter next season. Poskey is confident Kent will handle the job.

"Kiley will be a great leader because she makes plays happen," Poskey said. "She's a very accurate setter, so I see her having a bright future."

Sullivan is confident that her class will be central to coming team success.

"I think the future is definitely in good shape," Sullivan said. "We are getting more recruits and coach is beginning to make her mark in the program. She's only been here a couple years, and it takes a while to get a system in place."

The tournament provides a chance for the Highlanders to play well. It also can serve as a springboard for next season.

"We've been off and on this year," Wagner said. "We've gone through some struggles recently, but the tournament is big for us and it's time to prove that we can win some tough matches."